Red Wings' Lucas Raymond stars for Sweden in 4 Nations opener

Detroit Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond was one of a pair of Detroit players (along with Dylan Larkin) chosen to play in the 4 Nations Faceoff.

While Larkin will begin with the Americans tonight against Finland, Raymond and the Swedes faced Canada last night.

Canada won 4-3 in OT despite Sweden coming back from a 3-1 deficit in the 3rd period, and it was Lucas Raymond who delivered for his team.

Raymond was named the 3rd Star of the Game after a pair of assists that nearly enabled Sweden to upset Canada:

He helped set up Sweden's 1st goal after he stole the puck from Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty and fed divisional foe Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman at the point, who then passed to Jonas Brodin, who soon scored.

Raymond initially began the game on Sweden's 3rd line, though he could soon find himself in their top-6 with more performances like that.

Tonight, Larkin and the Americans will face Finland (8:00 PM, ESPN).

Raymond, who the Red Wings re-signed to an 8-year deal, is stepping into his prime as an NHL player and has put the rest of the NHL on notice that he's the real deal.

Already with 59 points (21G, 38A) in 55 games, he's on an 88-point pace, which would be a new career-best.